Breastfeeding ‘cuts cancer risk’
A high proportion of mothers are unaware that breastfeeding their children can cut their own risk of developing cancer, it has been claimed.
Statistics from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) also revealed that two-thirds of women were not aware that a breastfed child is less likely to be obese in later life.
Lucie Galice, general manager of the WCRF, noted that it "is a real concern" that so many women do not realise the preventative qualities of breastfeeding.
"This means that many new mothers are making choices about whether to breastfeed without knowing it can help reduce cancer risk for both them and their child," she said.
She added that there is substantial evidence to support this, with the WCRF recommending that mothers aim to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, before switching to complementary feeding.
The WCRF was founded in 1990 and provides research and education programmes on the role of diet and physical activity in the prevention of cancer.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer.
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